BOOK REVIEW:

Working With Women, Tips for the Trenches

Few will argue against the need to increase the role of women
in development, particularly agricultural development. But in
many instances mobilizing women means working against tradition.
This is more easily said than done. So where do you start? Women,
Conservation and Agriculture, a Manual for Trainers will give
you a good idea. This book is designed as an aid for those working
with rural women in sustainable agriculture and natural resources.
This is a very practical, comprehensive guide meant to facilitate
learning from rural women, and to help them work together for
better management of the environment.

This book was designed for extension workers, and development
field workers working with women's organizations, mixed gender
groups, or individual women at the local level. It is also for
those who train these extensionists. The format of the manual
is mostly suited for small group discussions and group exercises.

Section I provides an overview of the importance of gender consideration
and how women fit into environmental conservation. Section II
outlines techniques for participatory analysis such as how to
conduct a village interview, including what not to say and do.
Rapid Rural Appraisal techniques are described. How to learn through
women's perceptions of their situation, and how to deal with conflicts
of interest are also addressed. Section III is a listing of women's
organizations for resource conservation. Section IV gives a variety
of conservation techniques. Examples are provided to stimulate
thinking rather than to provide pat answers.

The emphasis is on learning from villagers. This book provides
a clear and straightforward description of techniques for successful
communication which is the basis for successful development.

Women, Conservation and Agriculture, a Manual for Trainers.
Commonwealth Secretariat.